The world famous angel wings tattoo covering Elayne Angel's back is the FIRST and to date, ONLY tattoo to be issued a registration by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

This is a legal precedent for the United States and also the world! Until now, no other body art (or any aspect or feature of a human body) has ever received such recognition by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Registration No. 2,645,270 was issued on November 5, 2002 to Elayne Angel for her full back angel wings tattoo, which was done in 1987 by Bob Roberts, in Los Angeles, California. Specifically, the Registration is a Service Mark in conjunction with commerce relating to body piercing services.

In accordance with the advice of her attorney, Ms. Angel has had the encircled "R" ("indicia of registration") tattooed at the bottom of the angel wings. Her attorney reported that he had never before in his career advised a client to get a tattoo. But, he said, in this case, bearing the encircled "R" would entitle Ms. Angel to greater legal protection of her Registered Service Mark (tattoo). There will be more comprehensive benefits due in the event of she wins any legal action brought about as a result of infringement on the Mark.

Elayne Angel is the author of The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing. She was the founder and President of Rings of Desire, Inc. Body Piercing (closed post-Katrina); and is founder of Chi-wa-wa Ga-ga, specialty dog clothing, costumes and accessories, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has also issued Registrations for the Rings of Desire name, and its wings-with-ring logo derived from Ms. Angel's back tattoo.